Potluck 2/27 Genes Role in Social Behavior

A new study found that genes can actually play a larger part in social behavior of species or groups of a specie than previously believed. This study addresses the question of nature versus nurture within primates. Initially, it was believed that environment was the primary reason for differences between species. It was also believed that even within species of primates, groups that live in different environments would behave differently. However, according to a new study, it is actually genes that have the most effect on different social behaviors between species rather than environment. The study, done by scientists at Oxford University, claims that even groups of the same species that live in different environments would have the same social behaviors. One example the study gives is Old World Monkeys. Although they live in environments ranging from savannas the the rain forest to alpines, the social behaviors amongst them are the same.

NY Times Article